Jose Mourinho’s comments about Luke Shaw were bound to cause unsettlement issues with the wantaway left-back. The Manchester United manager was quoted, “Luke, in the first half, every time they came in his corridor, the cross came in and a dangerous situation was coming. I was not happy with his performance.”
Shaw will be out of contract in June 2019 and has been at the heart of speculation leading up to the January transfer window. Mourinho did award Shaw with 5 starts in the first 8 games of the year but the left-back has returned to his sporadic status.
Manchester United’s weakest link this season has been the left-back position. Mourinho has opted to field Ashley Young as a makeshift option ahead of seasoned veterans like Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian. Shaw’s career in a United shirt has not gone seamlessly ever since his arrival in the summer of 2014.
A horrific leg break ended his impressive run of form that he showcased during his time with Southampton. Ever since his return, Shaw has been riddled with consecutive bouts on the sidelines unable to remain fit for a run of games. He was once pegged to be the next in line to start on the left of the England national team defence but 4 years later, he is no longer even in consideration under Gareth Southgate.
Dry chances are not ideal for the 22-year-old who would like nothing better than to wear the proud white uniform for his country in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. While Mourinho continues to select Young ahead of the Kingston-born defender, it would be in Shaw’s best interest to start considering a future away from Old Trafford.
The Red Devils will be entering the summer transfer window with the focus of signing a world class fullback and a few names have already been linked with the club. It would be best suited for Shaw to quit the Manchester side and look for opportunities elsewhere, expectedly within the Premier League as well.
United can still get a decent amount for him which they will be able to reinvest in the future. As far as Shaw’s talents are concerned, Everton can definitely profit from the situation. Currently, Leighton Baines is their best choice in the position with Cuco Martina filling in as a versatile option.
Arsenal can also find a way to implement Shaw into the team as they look for Nacho Monreal’s long-term replacement. Wherever he might end up in, we all can agree that a transfer is the best approach for both parties at this point in time.
